More than 50,000 people expected at 4th of July celebrations in Porter Ranch

(FOX 11) - For 18 years Shepherd Church in Porter Ranch has organized an Independence Day event that draws tens of thousands each year.

After the gas leak crisis in Porter Ranch the church's Paula Cracium (pronounced Cray-sheeum) wanted to make this year's event something special for the community. She says, after "everything Porter Ranch has been through the last couple years feeling safe in your community and feeling that unity in the community is a pretty important piece" of the feeling she wanted to create.

Though she doesn't live in Porter Ranch she works at the church here. She says, "We got sick... headaches."

About 1000 volunteers help Cracium and the event team. Margo Ugalde is one of the volunteers. She and her family run the face painting booth. She says, "I think we've kinda lost the patriotism in our country. so, (July 4th is) just a day to go all out and celebrate the birth of our country."

And, to make the most of the day some actually set up their tents the night before hoping to have a good spot to watch the fireworks, listen to the politicians on the big stage and enjoy the music. Day event that draws tens of thousands each year.

After the gas leak crisis in Porter Ranch the church's Paula Cracium wanted to make this year's event something special for the community. She says, after "everything Porter Ranch has been through the last couple years feeling safe in your community and feeling that unity in the community is a pretty important piece" of the feeling she wanted to create.

Though she doesn't live in Porter Ranch she works at the church here. She says, "We got sick... headaches."

About 1000 volunteers help Cracium and the event team. Margo Ugalde is one of the volunteers. She and her family run the face painting booth. She says, "I think we've kinda lost the patriotism in our country. so, (July 4th is) just a day to go all out and celebrate the birth of our country."

And, to make the most of the day some actually set up their tents the night before hoping to have a good spot to watch the fireworks, listen to the politicians on the big stage and enjoy the music.